Wales’ books need more media attention – report

14th June 2017

English-language media such as the BBC should be encouraged to do more to publicise books published in Wales, according to a new report.

The independent review into Welsh Government support for publishing and literature in Wales report notes that Welsh-language television has regular items about authors and books published in Wales.

However, “there is no BBC Cymru Wales English language TV equivalent”.

A strengthened Welsh Books Council should seek to improve the links between the sector and the mainstream media in Wales, the report says.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said that he “accepts the main recommendations and the Welsh Government will now work with the relevant organisations to implement them”.

‘Extensive’

The report suggests that the Welsh Books Council should take on many of Literature Wales’ responsibilities, including the Book of the Year award and bursaries.

The Welsh Books Council should receive additional funding, and its name should be changed to reflect its additional responsibilities.

Ken Skates said that some of the changes in the report were “extensive”.

“They are in no way a reflection of the wider good work of the Arts Council or Literature Wales including the excellent delivery of major events and activities linked to our themed years, which will remain unchanged,” he said.

“I am persuaded that these steps are needed to create a support structure for publishing and literature which is more effective and fit for the future.”

The report also says that the Welsh Books Council should continue to administer the tender to provide the Welsh language daily online news service. The tender is currently held by Golwg 360.